Ipsos Research Director, Jonathan Dodd joins Graeme Hill to discuss the current world of human statistics, polls and surveys. In light of Israel Folau’s recent anti-gay remarks, Australians were asked ‘Do you believe sporting organisations have a major or minor role to play in promoting awareness of and behaviour change relating to social issues?’ Commodified figures like Israel may not ask to be role models but become them regardless given their stance in the public sphere. 78% said that yes, they have a role to play in awareness. There is no change in opinion across age and gender within the results. Across the board there is the belief are standards to promote and uphold. Also, the ‘use it or lose it’ tendency. Skills deteriorate with underuse, Mr Dodds explains. ‘The more you need something, the more you use it and the more you get better at it…’ He discusses the conscious relationship we can have with this behaviour for added confidence and skill. Lastly, the fashion company World’s recent mislabelling saga has raised a lot of discussion lately over the ethics of where we source our products from. 2012 survey in Canada 79% they make an effort to ensure they know where their clothes are made. 2013, as similar study said 70% also say they would pay more to contribute to better working conditions for workers. The cheaper products still seem to succeed. Another study mentions that 40% say that they don’t care about the conditions of the workplace. “We want the best stuff with no guilt” Graeme concludes. Also, next week, Kauri will be listed as a threatened species. We need to take urgent action. Botanist Peter de Lange joins Graeme Hill to respond to a Stuff opinion piece about Kauri Dieback criticising “experts” and claiming everything’s going to be fine. Mr de Lange says these assertions should not go unchallenged. “These are hysterical claims which are incorrect”, he adds. One of the glaring problems with kauri dieback is the lack of education around the issue. Mr de Lange explains the comments are what should be expected given the lack of communication around the issue. The statement is “wrong on all levels”, says Mr de Lange. Waitākere tracks close to prevent spread of kauri dieback Environews: Taranaki's untouched oasis There is estimated to be 200,000 Kauri in New Zealand. This disease is a killer. If you inoculate Kauri with this disease, there is a 100% death rate of the tree as shown through research. No one is extending research out to the public and the comments made reflect this. 1 in 5 Kauri will die from the disease. Forest and Bird say Kauri could be extinct in our lifetime. Mr de Lange shuts down these claims. As a species, Kauri is unlikely to die in next 100 years. What is clear however is that the rate of decline is increasing. “It’s not just a species we’re losing, but an entire eco system”. Evidence is alluding to the potential for the disease to be native to New Zealand. Genetic estimates suggest it has been around for around 300 years but the disease is now spreading rapidly so. We need a strong advocate to explain the facts around this issue, collaboratively and inclusively. “We pride our nation on being innovative, but maybe we are losing our innovation in fear of losing funding.”, Mr de Lange concludes. Weekend Variety Wireless with Graeme Hill, 8pm - midnight Saturdays and Sundays, on RadioLIVE and streaming live to the Rova app on Android and iPhone. RadioLIVE.

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